PHOTO by ROSHEILA ROBLES

If the pale, creamy stuff sitting in that big plastic jug behind the counter at your favorite Mexican restaurant has always made you a little curious (perhaps even a bit uneasy) you’re not alone. As much as Mexican food is the keystone of many a Southern Californian’s diet, there are still lots of us unfamiliar with horchata. Not on a first-name basis with this incredible nectar? You have nothing to be afraid of. Horchata (pronounced ore-chah-tah) roughly translates to “damn tasty.” Although its ingredients vary from country to country, Mexican-style horchata is typically made from rice milk, water, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, and can be found at most neighborhood Mexican eateries, like our popular Hole Mole outlets. This magical combination of ingredients makes for a sweet drink with a silky smooth texture and flavor slightly reminiscent of snickerdoodles. If the thought of this drink paired with a bean and cheese burrito or chips and salsa sounds unappetizing, trust me, it’s anything but. In addition to being a great alternative to soda, horchata serves as the perfect neutralizer for that scorched aftertaste left behind by spicy peppers. Next time you’re placing your order, remember to ask for horchata. It’ll be there, calm and cool, waiting serenely in its big plastic jug behind the counter. And once you try it, you’ll be back for more.

HOLE MOLE 421 OBISPO AVE | LONG BEACH 90814 | 562.439.2555 | AND 1327 E FOURTH ST | LONG BEACH 90802 | 562.437.0878 | AND 5109 E PACIFIC COAST HWY | LONG BEACH 90804 | 562.985.1005

Tags: hole mole, horchata, mexican, snickerdoodles